Intoxilzyer 5000: who inspects the Implied Consent area supervisor? Stef Neff does

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

Quality Control Measures During an Intoxilyzer 5000 Inspection

Definition: Merriam – Webster defines “Quality Control” as

An aggregate of activities designed to ensure adequate quality, especially in manufactured products.

Requirement for Instrument Inspections:

Requirements are in place for a minimum number of inspections at specific intervals. Only qualified personnel may conduct this inspection following the specific guidelines/procedures set forth by the State and/or manufacturer.

A. Specific glassware should be used when measuring solutions or liquids for this inspection.

Why should Class “A” Glassware be used.
           - Volume accuracies and capacities are permanently marked.
          -To deliver – pipettes, exact amounts are delivered.
             - Ensure the instrument is on and is properly warming up. (at least 30 minutes)
             - All test results should be recorded and made available for public record.

B. Simulator Requirements – manufacturers requirements and state requirements for proper usage. Some states rely on the manufacturer for guidelines.

    1.  Requires use of properly operating simulators.
   2.  Requires proper warm up times for simulator use.          (30 minutes)
   3.  Requires the simulator to be leak resistant.
   4.   Requires adherence to temperature range.(34 degrees c +/- 0.2 c)

Special note – most manufacturers require an annual requirement for calibration. Check calibration dates for simulators. This calibration is to set within certain limits +/- a small window of temperature °C using a NIST traceable digital thermometer.

C. Reference Solutions

                        1. The use of approved, sealed, non-expired solutions is a must.
                  2. Proper and accurate amounts of solutions are to be used.
                  3. Proper care for tools and equipment during and after conducting                                                            inspections.

D. Use only calibrated and certified equipment.

1. Simulators, thermometers, and pressure gauges. These must have a NIST traceable source is most circumstances.

The utilization of all possible Quality Control Measures assures the most accurate and the best possible results for determination of whether an instrument is operating within the State’s requirements for evidentiary use. There are many, many minute details that must be adhered to when conducting an inspection. Do you know what to look for? Are you familiar with the manufacturer’s guidelines?

Curriculum Vitae

Stephen N. Neff

114 San Carlos Avenue

Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

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(May 2007)

Professional Position:

Safety Solutions Inc., Owner

Provide supplies and service of breath test instruments and associated equipment such as breath alcohol simulators. Conduct research directly related to breath testing and utilize gained information to enhance the capabilities of the breath test equipment. Conduct instruction of breath test curriculum to police officers and qualified persons. Provide professional assistance, service, information and education to local law enforcement agencies and other professional entities.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Government Analyst II

(Department Inspector): July 2003 - January 2006

Responsibilities included on-site inspections of breath test instruments, auditing of agency records, agency facilities and agency standards for the inspection and use of breath test instruments. Also, conducted inspections of breath test instruments and made appropriate repairs. Responsible for quality audit and review of training curriculum, breath test instructors, and training schools. Conduct research directly related to breath testing. Assist with the instruction of breath test curriculum to police officers and qualified persons. Provide professional assistance, service, information and education to local law enforcement agencies and criminal justice system concerning the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Alcohol Testing Program and related administrative rules and procedures.

Education:

Pensacola Junior College (Pensacola, Florida)

Associate of Science (Criminal Justice) Dec 1993

Certifications:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (Professional Programs)

Certificate of Compliance - Law Enforcement Standards Apr 1994

Field Training Officer Aug 1998

Breath Test Operator Dec 1998

Agency Inspector Apr 2001

Instructor Techniques Dec 2002

Department Inspector Apr 2004

Breath Test Instructor May 2006